MetService News Release
Wednesday, 22 Oct 2014

Cold front to crash-gybe the Coastal Classic

The weather forecast for this year's PIC Insurance Brokers Coastal Classic looks encouraging for fast times, with running conditions expected during the race from Auckland to Russell. However, skippers will need to monitor the marine forecast, as a wind change is expected during the race. "A cold front is expected to move across the fleet on Friday," said MetService Meteorologist Georgina Griffiths. "Southwesterlies are forecast for the start of the race on Friday morning, with the winds becoming strong and gusty by afternoon. A sharp southeast change will come in later," commented Griffiths. "While the wind change doesn't look to have much weather with it, it does herald in some colder air - and the possibility of a very strong pressure kick through Colville Channel, which extends up past the Hen and Chicks," Griffiths added.

The crews on the smaller boats, who are likely to be sailing through the night, will need some warm gear, and they will need to keep up to date with the latest marine forecast. "Sharp southeast changes warrant some respect up that coastline," Griffiths commented.

And the prognosis for the after race functions? "It is looking great for Saturdaynight, with dying winds and settled weather for the party at Russell," Griffiths stated. "And even better, the wind gradually turns northwest and freshens on Sunday and into Monday, perfect for those that want a run back to Auckland."

Keep up to date with the latest marine forecasts at metservice.com or on mobile devices at m.metservice.com. You can also download our free marine App from http://about.metservice. com/our-company/ways-to-get-the-weather/windows-devices.

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